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Neighbors urge Parkland board to oppose data‑center plan across from high school, citing noise and emissions
Summary
Residents urged the board to formally oppose the Atlas/Edge Energy data center proposed near Parkland High School, raising concerns about continuous low‑frequency noise, diesel generator emissions, emergency‑service burdens and incomplete noise and vibration studies.
Dozens of public commenters used the March 17 meeting to press Parkland School District leaders to oppose a proposed Atlas/Edge Energy data center across the street from Parkland High School.
Speakers cited technical and safety concerns in the developer’s submissions and urged the board to take a public position or engage with township planners. Alice Lenti (speaker 26) and other residents highlighted the scale of mechanical equipment referenced in permit materials — hundreds of backup diesel generators and more than a thousand rooftop chillers in company filings — and argued the applicant’s noise study omitted key measurements and did not assess low‑frequency (dBC) vibrations that can travel through structures and disrupt classrooms.
Multiple speakers played or described sample noise (speaker 30) and cited peer‑reviewed research linking constant background noise to reduced academic performance and stress among young adults. Commenters also raised public‑health concerns about diesel exhaust from testing and emergency generator use, water and power demands for such a campus, and unclear arrangements for covering additional emergency‑services costs.
Speakers asked the board to consider a formal resolution opposing the siting of the data center adjacent to schools and to press the township for stricter conditions, additional environmental analysis and commitments from the developer on monitoring, mitigation and funding for any required public‑safety upgrades. Several speakers reported fast‑growing online petitions and community organizing in opposition.
District leadership said it would monitor the township and developer filings and review the actual plans being presented to municipal planners; the superintendent offered to meet with concerned residents and to provide accurate, plan‑level briefings to the board before considering a formal resolution. The board did not adopt a formal position at the meeting.
What’s next: Community organizers asked the board to act at the next business meeting; district staff said they would review any formal township submissions and report back at committee meetings.
